ICT network architect
Also known as: network designer, network architects
About this occupation
ICT network architects design the topology and connectivity of ICT network such as hardware, infrastructure, communication and hardware components.
Essential skills and knowledge
- ICT network security risks
- design computer network
- ICT security legislation
- maintain internet protocol configuration
- provide technical documentation
- assess ICT knowledge
- forecast future ICT network needs
- develop creative ideas
- maintain information network hardware
- implement ICT network diagnostic tools
- analyse network bandwidth requirements
- analyse business requirements
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Computer Network Architects (O*NET 15-1241.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving, Programming, Systems Evaluation, Active Listening
US median pay: US$134,050 a year (2025), 179,740 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Software Developers
- Information Security Engineers
- Database Administrators
- Database Architects
- Computer Hardware Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.